PROS

CONS

Verdict

For families who enjoy space travel, the latest Ford Galaxy is the latest in the firm’s line of large people carriers, the first of which appeared back in 1995.

And yes, it is all-new – the Galaxy’s evolutionary styling, much of which is shared with the (slightly) smaller Ford S-Max, rides on the same underpinnings as the latest Mondeo family, sharing many of its engines too.

Everything you can see, inside and out, about the Ford Galaxy is all new, yet the visual link to its predecessor is clear. What Ford’s done is push the Galaxy slightly further upmarket to distance itself, at least price-wise, from the S-Max.

As well as a greater emphasis on luxury, Ford believes families with older children or who regularly transport adults around will be persuaded into the Galaxy rather than the S-Max thanks to the greater space offered in the rear-most seats. This is an MPV which can seat seven in comfort.

It’s also even easier to live with than other people carriers, especially if you choose a Titanium specification model and opt for the related Family Pack which includes electrically-folding middle and rear row seats; that back row can also be raised at the touch of a button.

More comfort-biased than the S-Max, the latest Galaxy remains one of the more engaging cars to drive in this segment, although it feels more at home cruising smooth highways than tackling a series of B-road S-bends.

Revamped petrol and diesel engines

While the expectation is that the vast majority of Ford Galaxy customers will opt for one of the array of 2-litre TDCi diesel engines, the company recognises that a small number – the expectation is just two percent take-up – will choose a petrol version.

Those who do can pick between the manual 1.5-litre EcoBoost with 158bhp and the rapid 237bhp 2-litre EcoBoost with a six-speed automatic, although beware the latter’s claimed 35.8mpg average and 180g/km CO2 emissions.

For economy and lower emissions diesel remains the way to go for Galaxy drivers. Available in four tunes of power, the 2-litre TDCi can be had in 118bhp (manual only), 148bhp and 178bhp forms (both available with manual and PowerShift automatic gearboxes), as well as a twin-turbo 207bhp version (PowerShift only).

While the Galaxy comes with front-wheel drive, the 148bhp manual and 178bhp Powershift diesels can also be had with four-wheel drive.

Depending upon the version chosen, claimed diesel consumption varies from 48.7mpg to 56.5mpg, whole emissions range from 129g/km to 144g/km.

Three trim levels with options aplenty

It’s no great surprise that at the time of launch the Ford Galaxy comes in three familiar trim levels: Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X.

Even the Zetec could hardly be described as entry-level, with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen complete with Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio, electrically-folding mirrors and dual-zone climate control among the highlights.

While each version is well-equipped for its price point, there’s a bulging catalogue of optional extras to further increase the Galaxy’s convenience and safety credentials.

Adaptive LED headlights with ‘glare free’ technology, a front camera, self-levelling rear suspension and adaptive cruise control are expected to be among the more popular choices.

Find out more about this adult-friendly people carrier by reading Parkers’ full Ford Galaxy review.

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